POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS FROM STEERING RACK AND PUMP ATTACHMENT JOINTS. UPDATED 2/27/08.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Ford Fusion steering problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2crashes
What stands out
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Fusion's steering system shows a pattern of distinct failure modes. The most dangerous and frequently cited issue involves the idler pulley attachment bolt on 2.3L engines—it fractures and breaks, causing immediate loss of power steering assist, alternator output, and engine cooling. One owner experienced this four separate times, the last recurrence within six months. Another had the same bolt fail twice in six months at startup and on the highway.
Steering racks can develop mounting bolt failures, with bolts loosening enough to turn by hand or breaking completely, allowing the rack to shift on its attachments. Owners report progressive slackness in steering response that eventually becomes severe enough to risk complete detachment.
Metal steering and suspension components corrode excessively, particularly on vehicles that spent time in high-salt climates. Control arms, tie rods, stabilizer links, and struts deteriorate and mechanically fail, obstructing steering and causing alignment problems. One owner replaced the transmission pan due to rust perforation and had suspension work verified by ASE-certified mechanics.
Rear suspension geometry issues cause the steering wheel to turn left while the wheels stay straight, accompanied by rapid rear tire wear. One owner has purchased six rear tires and faces repair costs exceeding 1,000 dollars. Power steering fluid leaks occur while the vehicle is in gear, sometimes related to CV axle failures.
Same Ford Fusion steering reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Steering Rack Mounting Bolt Failure
Steering rack mounting bolts loosen and break, allowing the rack assembly to move and detach from the sub-frame in response to steering inputs. Loss of secure attachment creates total steering control failure risk.
When: Gradual onset over vehicle lifetime; may not be noticed until play becomes severe
Symptoms owners cite: Slackness and free play in steering response; Steering wheel input not proportional to wheel movement; Steering rack visibly moving on attachments; Mounting bolts loose enough to turn by hand or completely broken
Repairs/costs cited: Tighten or replace loose/broken mounting bolts securing steering rack to sub-frame
Idler Pulley Attachment Bolt Failure
Bolt attaching the belt idler pulley to the engine block fractures and breaks, causing sudden detachment of the pulley. Results in immediate loss of power steering assist, alternator output, and engine cooling function. Reported as recurring problem affecting multiple 2.3L engines.
When: Failures reported around 60,000 miles; can occur multiple times on same vehicle within 6-month intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving; Loss of alternator charging; Loss of engine cooling function; Loud noise or clunking as pulley detaches; Problem occurs while turning, at startup, or on the highway
Repairs/costs cited: Replace broken attachment bolt and idler pulley; owners report multiple replacements necessary. Bolt described as poorly designed, undersized, or insufficiently hardened. Parts and labor costs not specified by complainants.
Steering Component Corrosion and Rust Failure
Metal steering and suspension components (control arms, tie rods, stabilizer links, struts, shocks) corrode excessively and deteriorate, causing mechanical failure and loss of steering control. Noted as widespread in this model year, particularly in vehicles registered in high-salt climates.
When: Corrosion develops gradually; failures observed on used vehicles; one vehicle was former Massachusetts state vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive rust and corrosion on control arms, tie rods, stabilizer links; Control arms and stabilizer links mechanically fail and fall apart; Steering obstruction caused by failed suspension components; Alignment issues resulting from corroded metal components
Repairs/costs cited: Framework repair and replacement of multiple suspension parts required due to rust damage; one owner had transmission pan fail from rust (unrelated to steering but cited as corrosion severity example). Repairs verified by ASE-certified mechanics.
Steering Wheel Alignment and Suspension Geometry Issues
Rear suspension geometry problems cause steering wheel misalignment and abnormal tire wear. Bent knuckle assembly and lower control arms result in steering wheel turning left while wheels remain straight and rear tires wearing prematurely.
When: Appears after extended vehicle use; symptom onset not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel turns left while wheels remain straight; Rear tires go bald prematurely; Rear knuckle assembly bent; Lower rear control arm bent; Rear tires bow outward
Repairs/costs cited: Repair of bent knuckle assembly and lower control arm required; one owner cited parts and labor cost exceeding 1,000 dollars. Multiple tire replacements necessary due to abnormal wear.
Power Steering Fluid Leakage
Vehicle develops power steering fluid leaks while in gear, potentially related to CV axle or other drivetrain failures. Complaint indicates recurring leak issue.
When: Occurs intermittently while vehicle is in gear
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid pouring from vehicle when in gear; Associated CV axle leaks and failures
Repairs/costs cited: Fluid leak repair attempted; specific parts or costs not detailed
Steering Difficulty Related to Takata Airbag Recall
Vehicle under Takata airbag recall condition exhibits steering difficulty and steering wheel positioning problems, though causation is unclear.
When: Steering difficulty present while vehicle has outstanding Takata recall
Symptoms owners cite: Hard to turn steering wheel when vehicle is in motion; Steering wheel does not set right in neutral position
Repairs/costs cited: Takata recall mentioned but repair status unclear
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata airbag recall (unresolved in this complaint)
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
1. Currently on My 2nd PCM and 4th set of coils and plugs. I was driving My car a few months ago and it started struggling to stay running and the engine light started flashing and after about 2 minutes the car completely shut down. Bought All new coils and Plugs to find out that the pcm was just popping them. Replaced the Pcm and Coils and plugs and Now My car is sitting due to the same problem…
Had steering trouble with your 2008 Ford Fusion?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2008 Ford Fusion?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 87,906 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Ford/Fusion.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.